Multi-function pallet rack

ABSTRACT

The invention recites a pallet rack display system comprising a first side support and a second side support spaced a distance from the first side support to define a display volume therebetween. A transverse member is supported between a forward position and a rearward position by the first and second side supports. The display system also includes a panel support member connected to the transverse member. The panel support member is positionable between a first position adjacent the first side support and a second position adjacent the second side support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to point-of-sale displays, and particularlyto point-of-sale displays built within a pallet racking system. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to movable pallet rackingsystems for use as point-of-sale displays.

[0002] Pallet display systems are commonly used in large stores,warehouse stores, and large, home improvement centers. Point-of-saledisplays are often built into the pallet racks to display products, tosupport product demonstrations or comparisons, and to support theproducts being sold. Commonly, the displays are built-out using wood orother combustible products. The combustible nature of these displays mayrequire additional fire protection, additional insurance, additionalinspections, or other additional measures that may prove costly to thestore. Further, the construction of the displays may not be durableunder conditions commonly found in large stores. For example, forkliftsor large heavy carts often impact the displays and cause unseen damagethat may pose a risk to the store patrons.

[0003] In addition, permanent custom build-outs cannot be easily movedor rearranged. It therefore becomes necessary to build a new display ifchanges to the store layout are desired or if the seller wants theproduct displayed differently. These changes present an inconvenience tothe shopper and a cost to both the store and the product seller.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0004] The pallet rack display system of the invention provides a firstside support and a second side support spaced a distance from the firstside support to define a display volume therebetween. A transversemember is supported between a forward position and a rearward positionby the first and second side supports. The display system also includesa panel support member connected to the transverse member. The panelsupport member is positionable between a first position adjacent thefirst side support and a second position adjacent the second sidesupport.

[0005] In preferred embodiments, the pallet display system includes acornice member having a pivotable end. Panels are disposed on the panelsupport members and the cornice member. The pivotable end of the cornicemember allows the panel attached thereto to pivot into a second planedifferent from the plane of the panel attached to the panel supportmembers.

[0006] In another construction, a pallet rack display system issupported by a pallet rack having a plurality of vertical members. Thepallet rack display further comprises a first pair of lateral membersthat extend between two vertical members to define a first side supportand a second pair of lateral members that extend between two verticalmembers to define a second side support. An upper transverse member issupported by the first side support and the second side support, and theupper transverse member is movable between a first position and a secondposition. A lower transverse member is supported by the first sidesupport and the second side support, and the lower transverse member ismovable between the first position and the second position. The palletrack display also includes a plurality of panel support members slidablyengagable with the upper transverse member and the lower transversemember, and the panel support members are movable between the first sidesupport and the second side support.

[0007] In preferred constructions, the pallet rack display includes acornice member engagable with the display.

[0008] In yet another construction, the invention provides a method ofdisplaying goods at a point-of-sale, the method comprising the acts ofproviding a pallet rack display system having movable transverse membersand movable panel support members. The method further comprising theacts of moving the movable panel support members to a desired displayposition, coupling a display panel to the movable panel support members,and moving the transverse members to the desired display position.

[0009] In preferred constructions, the method further includes the actof attaching cornice members to the display to support at least twopanels in at least two different planes.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanyingfigures in which:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-function pallet rackembodying the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the pallet rack ofFIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the pallet rack ofFIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the pallet rack ofFIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cornice member in accordancewith the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one possible configuration of thepallet rack of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another possible configuration ofthe pallet rack of FIG. 1; and

[0019]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another possible configuration ofthe pallet rack of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of acornice member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a multi-function pallet rack display system10 includes vertical support members 15, lateral members 20, transversemembers 25, and panel support members 30. The pallet rack 35 defines acuboidal display volume having a front 40, a back 45, a first side 50, asecond side 55, a top 60 and a bottom 65. The vertical support members15 are positioned at each vertical dihedral corner of the display volumeand provide support for the pallets, and additional pallet racks 35stacked above, as well as the pallet rack display system 10. As such,the vertical support members are generally the only contact with theground or store floor. In many constructions, the vertical supportmembers 15 are part of the preexisting pallet support system installedin the store. The lateral members 20 are adapted to attach to thesepreexisting vertical supports 15. The vertical members 15 (best shown inFIG. 2) are generally formed from tubular steel or another structuralmaterial capable of safely supporting the pallet rack display 10 as wellas other pallet racks that may be stacked above the pallet rack displaysystem 10. The vertical members 15 are preferably square or rectangularin cross-section. However, any shape cross-section will function as avertical member 15. The vertical members 15 include a plurality ofapertures 70 disposed on the inside surface, adjacent the displayvolume. The apertures 70 are spaced along the vertical length of thevertical members 15 to provide a convenient, yet adjustable means ofattaching the lateral members 20. The design of the lateral members 20is dictated by the location and shape of the apertures 70 in thevertical members 15. For example, a lateral member 20 that engages theoutside surface of the vertical members 15 would be required for avertical member with apertures 70 on the outer surface. While thearrangement shown in FIG. 2 is preferred, the invention should not belimited to vertical members 15 having apertures 70 on the inside surfacealone.

[0022] Referring again to FIG. 1, two lateral members 20 extend betweentwo vertical members 15 to define a first side member 75. The sidemember 75 defines the first side surface 50 of the display volume. Twoadditional lateral members 20 extend between the remaining two verticalmembers 15 to define a second side member 80 that defines the secondside surface 55 of the display volume. While two lateral members 20 areillustrated in FIG. 1, other constructions use other quantities oflateral members 20. Some constructions may require three or more lateralmembers 20 per side member 75, 80 to achieve the desired displayconfiguration. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration thatincludes a third set of lateral members 20 (shown partially broken away)disposed between the first two sets of lateral members 20. Two lateralmembers 20 per side member 75, 80 produce a rigid side member 75, 80 andprovide sufficient support for transverse members 25 for mostconfigurations of the pallet display system 10. However, someconfigurations may require three or more lateral members 20 and aretherefore contemplated by the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 2 illustrates the attachment of the lateral members 20 to thevertical members 15. Each lateral member 20 includes an attachmentportion 85 having two tabs 87 that fit within the apertures 70 andengage the vertical members 15 to lock the lateral members 20 in place.A bolt 90 threads into a nut (not shown) that also engages the verticalmember 15 to prevent unwanted removal of the lateral member 20. Toconfigure the pallet rack display 10, the user positions the lateralmembers 20 at the desired elevation and affixes them to the verticalmembers 15.

[0024] Each lateral member 20 comprises a generally rectangularcross-section tubular member, however other shape tubes as well aschannels and solid bars may be used as lateral members 20. The lateralmembers 20 include a plurality of apertures 95 spaced along the topsurface. The aperture's size and shape allow the transverse member 25 toengage the lateral member 20 at multiple positions along the lateralmember 20. In another construction (not shown), no apertures 95 areused. In this construction, the transverse members 25 are free to movealong the lateral members 20 to any desired position. A locking screwlocks the transverse member 25 in the desired position and preventsunwanted movement.

[0025] In applications having preinstalled vertical members 15, it islikely that the depth (distance from the front 40 to the back 45) of thedisplay volume will vary slightly. To accommodate this, the lateralmembers 20 are adjustable. While many mechanisms are available toaccomplish the desired adjustability, a preferred construction employs alateral member 20 that includes a bar 105 that is slidable within asleeve 107, as is shown in FIG. 2. The bar 105 may be a solid bar, atube, or a channel that supports the attachment portion 85 that engagesthe vertical members 15. In addition, the joint between the bar 105 andthe sleeve 107 may be located anywhere along the length of the lateralmember. FIG. 1 illustrates the joint near the rear portion of thelateral member 20, while FIG. 2 illustrates the joint near the frontportion. A locking screw (not shown) or other locking device (e.g., pin,bolt, spring-loaded ball, etc.) couples the bar 105 to the sleeve 107 atthe desired location.

[0026] In preferred constructions, the lateral members 20 includechannels (not shown) that extend along the lateral members length. Thechannels accommodate panels that allow the display to be separated fromadjacent pallet display systems 10. Generally, the panels slide intoposition from the front or back of the display. However, otherconstructions include movable retaining members that engage the upper orlower portion of the panels to hold them in place.

[0027] The transverse members 25, illustrated best in FIG. 3, arepreferably formed from channel members, however, tubular or solidmembers will function as transverse members 25. The transverse members25 extend the full width (from the first side member 75 to the secondside member 80) of the display volume and as such must be substantiallyrigid. For this reason, the channel shape is preferred as it providessubstantial rigidity with low weight. Each transverse member 25 includesa channel or hook portion 120 formed to receive the panel supportmembers 30. FIG. 3 illustrates one possible construction of the lateralmember 20, wherein the apertures 95 receive a tab 100 that extends fromthe transverse member 25. Other constructions may employ rectangular oroval apertures 95. In fact, any shape aperture 95 will function so longas the tab 100 that extends from the transverse member 25 is able toengage the aperture 95.

[0028] The channel portion 120 of the construction illustrated in FIG. 3is a generally V-shaped channel with one leg of the “V” extendingslightly toward the front surface 40 of the display volume. The V-shapedchannel allows panel support members 30 to firmly engage and slide alongthe transverse member 25 to any desired position.

[0029] For installations having preinstalled vertical members 15, it maybe necessary to employ adjustable length transverse members 25. However,preferred embodiments do not require adjustable transverse members 25.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred construction includes twotransverse members 25. The upper transverse member 25 extends betweenthe upper lateral members 20 of the first and second side members 75,80, while the lower transverse member 25 extends between the lowerlateral members 20. In some configurations of the pallet rack displaysystem 10, it may be necessary to include three or more transversemembers 25. In the illustrated embodiment, additional lateral members 20were added to each of the side members 75, 80 to accommodate theaddition of a transverse member 25 at an elevation different from thealready installed transverse members 25.

[0031] The panel support members 30, best illustrated in FIG. 3, aregenerally U-shaped channel members having a front attachment surface 125and two leg portions 130. The front attachment surface 125 includes aplurality of rectangular slots 135 arranged in two parallel rows andequally spaced. The leg portions 130 of the panel supports 30 includeangled slots 140 positioned to engage the channel portion 120 of thetransverse members 25. Once engaged, the slots 140 support the panelsupport members 30 and allow them to slide between the first side member75 and the second side member 80. While U-shaped panel supports 30 areillustrated, other constructions employ different shaped cross sections.For example, another construction uses square or rectangular panelsupport members. The square or rectangular shape, like the U-shape,provides side surfaces that can be used to support other components orpanels if desired.

[0032]FIG. 1 shows the pallet rack display system 10 including threepanel support members 30. It should be understood that any number ofpanel support members 30 can be employed depending on the desiredconfiguration of the pallet rack display 10.

[0033]FIG. 4 illustrates a construction in which the panel supportmembers 30 directly support panels 155. A plurality of hooks 150 extendfrom the panel 155 and engage the slots 135 of the panel support member30. The panels 155 are generally perforated metal panels as shown inFIG. 4. Alternatively, drywall, wood paneling, or any other panel-likematerial supportable by hooks, screws, nails or other fasteners could beused to produce the desired display.

[0034] Turning to FIG. 3, a portion of a cornice member 145 isillustrated in an engaged position with one of the panel support members30. The cornice member 145 (described below) includes a plurality ofhooks 150 that engage some of the slots 135 in the panel support 30.FIG. 5 illustrates one possible construction of the cornice member 145.The cornice member 145 includes a hook portion 160, a neck portion 165,and an attachment portion 170. The hook portion 160 includes theplurality of hooks 150 that engage the slots 135 of the panel supportmembers 30 to anchor the cornice member 145 at the desired elevationwithin the display volume. The neck portion 165 extends between the hookportion 160 and the attachment portion 170. The neck portion 165includes a large tube 175 and a small tube 180 disposed within the largetube 175. The small tube 180 slides in and out of the large tube 175 toreduce or extend the length of the neck portion 165, thereby allowingthe user to position the attachment portion 170 as desired. Theattachment portion 170 pivotally connects to the neck portion 165 toallow free rotation of the attachment portion 170 to almost any angledesired. Panels 155 or other objects connect to the attachment section170. The cornice members 145 allow panels 155 to be positioned withinthe display volume on different planes and at different angles thanwould be possible if the panels 155 were only connected to the panelsupport members 30.

[0035]FIG. 9 shows another construction of a cornice member 145A. Thecornice member 145A is formed from a channel or other shape able toengage the lateral member 20. The cornice member 145A also includeslocking mechanisms 185 (e.g., spring-loaded balls or pins, screws, etc.)sized to engage the apertures 95 formed in the lateral members 20. Thus,the cornice member 145A attaches to, and slides along, the lateralmembers 20 to one of multiple positions. A faceplate 190 extends at aright angle to the lateral member 20, thereby projecting into thedisplay volume. The faceplate 190 can support a panel 155 in a verticalorientation, or at any other angle desired. To support a panel 155 at anangle other than vertical, a pivot shoe 195 is attached to the faceplate190. The pivot shoe 195 attaches to the faceplate 190 and pivots in amanner similar to that of the attachment portion 170 of the cornicemember 145 of FIG. 5.

[0036] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate different configurations of the pallet rackdisplay system 10 employing cornice members 145A. FIG. 6 includes avertically oriented panel 155 attached to the panel support members 30as illustrated in FIG. 4. Several cornice members 145A support an angledpanel 155′ immediately above the vertically oriented panel 155. Thistype of arrangement may be desired to display products on the verticalpanels 155 and instructions or advertisements that assist the customerin choosing the correct product on the angled panel 155′.

[0037] The display of FIG. 7 includes two sets of cornice members 145 tocreate a counter or table display. The first set of cornice memberssupport a lower vertical panel 155 spaced a distance in front of thepanel support members 30. The second set of cornice members 145 supporta panel 155″ in a substantially horizontal plane. Additional panels (notshown) would be attached to the panel support members 30 as illustratedin FIG. 4 to complete the display. This type of display may be desirableto display goods such as sinks and faucets or flooring material such asceramic tile, laminate, wood, or carpet. The table portion provides asurface to display the “as installed” product, thereby improving theconsumers understanding of the product. In an alternative construction(not shown), the display of FIG. 7 is formed using two additionaltransverse members. The first extends between the lower lateral membersnear the desired plane of the lower vertical panel, while the secondextends just below the horizontal panel. Short panel support membersengage the additional transverse members and the lower vertical panelconnects to the short panel support members.

[0038]FIG. 8 illustrates yet another possible configuration of thepallet rack display 10. In this configuration, a vertical panel 155connects to the panel support members 30 as illustrated in FIG. 4.Several cornice members 145 support a second panel 155′″ above the first155. The second panel is substantially horizontal, essentially defininga ceiling over the first panel 155. This display configuration issuitable for the display of ceiling lights, beams, or otheraccoutrements commonly attached to ceilings. In addition, the verticalpanel 155 can support any manner of goods to be sold, while lights aresupported in the horizontal panel 155′″. The lights are positioned toaccentuate the products being displayed. The multi-function pallet rackdisplay 10 of the present invention allows for many configurations inaddition to the few illustrated herein.

[0039] Although the invention has been described in detail withreference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modificationsexist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described anddefined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pallet rack display system comprising: a firstside support; a second side support spaced a distance from the firstside support to define a display volume therebetween; a transversemember supported between a forward position and a rearward position bythe first and second side supports; and a panel support member connectedto the transverse member, the panel support member positionable betweena first position adjacent the first side support and a second positionadjacent the second side support.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst side support further comprises a first lateral support member andthe second side support further comprises a second lateral member, eachlateral member having a plurality of apertures, the transverse memberfurther including a first tab member engaged with one of the aperturesof the first lateral member and a second tab member engaged with one ofthe apertures of the second lateral member.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the transverse member further includes a channel portion and thepanel support member further includes a slot portion, the slot portionengaged with the hook portion.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a cornice member engaged with one of the panel supportmember, the first side support, the second side support, and thetransverse member, the cornice member having an attachment portion, aneck portion and an end portion.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein thepanel support member includes a plurality of slots and the attachmentportion of the cornice member includes a hook, the hook engaged with oneof the plurality of slots to connect the cornice member to the panelsupport member.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the neck portion isextendable along an axis perpendicular to the panel support member. 7.The system of claim 4, wherein the end portion is pivotable between afirst angle and a second angle.
 8. The system of claim 7, furthercomprising a panel connected to the end portion, the panel movablebetween the first angle and the second angle.
 9. The system of claim 1,further comprising a panel connected to the panel support member, thepanel having a plurality of apertures therein.
 10. A pallet rack displaysystem supported by a pallet rack having a plurality of verticalmembers, the system comprising: a first lateral member extending betweentwo vertical members to define a first side support, the first lateralmember including a plurality of apertures; a second lateral memberextending between two vertical members to define a second side support;a transverse member supported by the first side support and the secondside support, the transverse member including a first tab member engagedwith one of the plurality of apertures in the first lateral member toposition the transverse member between a first position and a secondposition;
 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a cornicemember engaged with one of the panel support members, the first sidesupport, the second side support, the upper transverse member, and thelower transverse member.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the cornicemember includes an end portion pivotable between a first angle and asecond angle.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the panel supportmember includes a plurality of apertures and the cornice member includesan attachment portion having a hook, the hook engaged with one of theplurality of apertures to connect the cornice member to the panelsupport member.
 14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a panelconnected to one of the panel support members and the cornice member,the panel having a plurality of apertures therein.
 15. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the first and second lateral members each define aplurality of apertures and the transverse member further includes afirst tab member engaged with one of the apertures of the first lateralmember and a second tab member engaged with one of the apertures of thesecond lateral member.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein thetransverse member further includes a channel portion and the panelsupport member further includes a slot portion, the slot portionslidably engagable with the hook portion.
 17. The system of claim 10,wherein the lateral members further comprise an adjustment bar movablebetween a first position and a second position, and wherein the lateralmember is a first length when the adjustment bar is in the firstposition and the lateral member is a second length when the adjustmentbar is in the second position.
 18. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising a plurality of panel support members engaged with thetransverse member, the panel support members positionable between thefirst side support and the second side support.
 19. The system of claim10, wherein the transverse member further comprises a second tab memberand the second lateral member further includes a plurality of apertures,the second tab member engaged with one of the plurality of apertureswithin the second lateral member.
 20. A method of displaying goods at apoint-of-sale, the method comprising the acts of: providing a palletrack display system having movable transverse members and movable panelsupport members; moving the movable panel support members to a desireddisplay position; coupling a display panel to the movable panel supportmembers; and moving the transverse members to the desired displayposition.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the acts of:providing a cornice member having an attachment portion, a neck portion,and an end portion; engaging the attachment portion of the cornicemember to the pallet rack display system; extending the neck portion ofthe cornice member to a desired display position; pivoting the endportion of the cornice member to a desired display angle; and attachinga panel to the end portion of the cornice member so that the panel ispositioned in the desired display position at the desired display angle.22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the act of providingmultiple cornice members, the cornice members and the panel supportmembers supporting at least two panels, the panels defining at least twoplanes.